I’m in a cozy little campsite on a wooden platform hanging over the edge of a mountain at Edgar Evins State Park in Silver Point, Tennessee.

My campsite is literally among the treetops of the trees growing on the mountain below. The soothing sounds of nature are abundant.

As I enjoy the tranquility of nature, let me tell you about last week’s little escapade!

Related Post: Tennessee Adventures – Greenway Park and Edgar Evins State Park.

I Spent Last Week In Benton Illinois…

As I mosey my way to south Florida, my goal is to relax, recoup, and unwind after a busy summer.

It was a mostly peaceful, uneventful week in Benton… except for that one day when things got a little turbulent.

On A Cool Rainy Day…

I’m inside the van all cozy warm when a strange smoke-like odor drifts thru the air.

I wonder who on earth has a campfire going in the rain and what the heck they’re burning.

Sometimes people put stuff in their campfire and the air smells like rubber, plastic, or other random scents.

There’s no cause to think this strange smell is anything other than a wonky campfire.

The Odor Gets Stronger…

Campfires usually don’t bother me unless someone is burning something toxic-to-me.

To stay ahead of a potential MCS reaction, I put my N95 mask on. The mask isn’t fool-proof but it often helps.

A Few Minutes Later…

My eyes burn and the smell is stronger.

I get up to see who or what is causing the strange stench but I’m sidetracked when I notice the display lights on my fridge are off.

My 12 volt fridge is connected to a Jackery 1000 Portable Solar Power Station that sits under my bed.

The display button on the Jackery shows the power level is 0%. This is odd because it was at 100% a little bit ago.

While making sure the Jackery is plugged in and charging… smoke starts puffing out the back. It’s been sending smoke signals under my bed!

Related Post: Goal Zero Yeti 1250 – I Generate My Own Electricity!. This post contains info about my original solar setup, how I use it, and more.

Diverting A Potential Crisis…

I unplug the Jackery from it’s charging source (it charges via solar panels and/or when I’m plugged in at a campground).

The smoke appears to stop but I don’t trust it, it stinks, and I want it out of the van!

The unit is attached to the van with a cable to keep it in place and prevent it from “walking away” (if you know what I mean).

A moment of temporary amnesia prevents me from remembering the combination to unlock the cable.

I hurriedly grab my phone to find the combination and unhook it before the battery bursts into flames under my bed.

Ok… I’m not sure it would have burst into flames but, in situations like this, my overthinking brain tends to go through all kinds of possible scenarios.

After A Deep Calming Breath…

I unhook the cable and take the Jackery outside… in the rain.

The ground is covered with fallen autumn leaves. It’s raining right now but… if the Jackery happens to spontaneously combust after the leaves have dried… they’d be perfect kindling.

To be as safe as possible, I put the Jackery in the firepit until I can figure out what to do with it.

What To Do With A Dead Jackery…

My Jackery 1000 was over 4 years old. It’s been used non-stop ever since I put it in the van. I got more than my moneys worth out of the poor thing.

These units contain a lithium battery. Throwing it into the campground trash dumpster is not recommended because it could start a fire.

My good buddy, Google, locates a place nearby that handles Hazardous Waste.

Google isn’t always as smart as he thinks so I call the Company to confirm they will take the unit.

The next day, after a brief funeral for my beloved Jackery, I make the short trip to properly dispose of his remains.

Life Without The Jackery 1000…

For the sake of simplicity, I run my fridge and roof fan solely via the Jackery (even when plugged in at a campground). This means I need a new Jackery or similar type of power station.

Thankfully, I have a second power unit as a back up.

It’s a baby Jackery (the 300 model).

I’m good to go, for now!

Jackery 1000 vs 300…

The difference between the 1000 model and the 300 model is the amount of power it stores for off-the-grid use. The 1000 model stores more power than the 300.

With my power usage, I never had too much trouble being totally off-the-grid with the 1000 model. However, being solely off-the-grid with the 300 model would require me to seriously ration my power usage.

Off-the-grid power usage is currently not an issue. I’m usually plugged in at a campground and have unlimited power.

The nice thing is, since I run my fridge solely via the Jackery, it keeps my fridge running when I’m traveling or out-n-about away from the campground.

The Smelly Aftermath…

The van smelled of that indescribable odor for several days.

I lost count of how many times I checked under the bed to see if anything was smoking.

Would I Buy Another Jackery?…

Jackery Solar Power Stations have improved and expanded since I bought my first one. There are so many options to choose from these days but I would definitely consider a Jackery again!

I prefer being plugged in at a campground but being off-the-grid is always a possibility. I’m considering getting a model 1000 or higher.

Parting Words Of Wisdom…

When you smell smoke at a campground, it may not be a campfire.

Never be afraid to look under the bed.

Spending time in nature is always refreshing!

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